Outrigger? Enterprises Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Nakasone as general manager of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, effective November 1, 2013. As general manager, Nakasone will be responsible for overseeing the resort?s day-to-day operations and staff management, as well as planning, organizing and directing all hotel services and ensuring a balance between customer satisfaction, effective business management and financial viability for the property.
?Dean is a valued and respected member of the Outrigger team and brings a wealth of experience to this new leadership role,? said Barry Wallace, executive vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises Group. ?His industry knowledge, keen management style and desire for the best in hospitality are the perfect combination of personal and business values to ensure the continued success of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.?
Nakasone has an extensive background in hotel management with Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. He joins the Outrigger Reef on the Beach from his most recent position as general manager of the Holiday Inn? Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, an Outrigger-managed property. During his time there, Nakasone transitioned the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel to the OHANA? Hotels and Resorts brand in 2005 and then to the Holiday Inn? brand in 2010.
Prior to the Waikiki Beachcomber, Nakasone was director of sales & marketing for OHANA? Hotels and Resorts and previous to that, director of revenue management. Nakasone joined the Outrigger family in 1997 as general manager of the then Outrigger Prince Kuhio Hotel.
Before Outrigger, Nakasone?s hospitality career included senior management positions with Sheraton Hotels in Hawaii and California as well as the Halekulani Corporation.
An engaged industry professional, Nakasone is an Oahu chapter chair of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, an advisory board member of the School of Travel Industry Management (TIM), University of Hawaii at Manoa, and an advisory board member to the Hospitality & Tourism Education department at Kapiolani Community College. He currently serves on the TIM Curriculum Committee working closely with the Department of Education?s Career and Technical Education Center.
Nakasone holds a Bachelor?s in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii?s TIM School and is a TIM Alumni Hall of Honor award recipient. He is also a Japanese Studies graduate of the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. A born leader and educator, early in his career Nakasone was a lecturer on front office operations and the foundations of guest service in the Food Service & Hospitality Education Department at Kapiolani Community College.